NAMIC NAMES FLOOD AS FEDERAL LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR

The following information was released by the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC):

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies today named Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb. as the associations Federal Legislator of the Year.

As insurance marketplaces are buffeted by extreme weather, litigation abuse, and regulatory excess, Mike Flood has worked to find solutions that reduce risk and bring down the costs of insurance, said Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for NAMIC. NAMIC is proud to recognize him for his work to help insurance consumers and protect our state marketplaces from federal overreach.

Flood was recognized for his work to defend the state-based insurance regulatory system from costly and duplicative federal encroachment. Flood played a vital role in efforts to force the Federal Insurance Office to work with sate regulators in examining climate change issues, and co-sponsored legislation to limit the FIOs ability to demand data from insurers. Created under the Dodd-Frank Act as an information resource for federal policymakers, FIO has sought to expand its authority through demands for data and the threat of subpoenas seeking sensitive company information. Flood has also been a leader when it comes to reining in abuse in the legal system and maintaining consumer choice when it comes to homeowners insurance.

The state-based system of insurance regulation has served policyholders well for over 170 years. The last thing consumers across the country need is another federal agency encroaching on the good work of our state regulators, Flood said. Theres important work to be done as we seek solutions to Americas housing crisis and work to cut red tape so that more Americans can access affordable and reliable insurance products for financial safety and security. Id like to thank NAMIC for recognizing me as its federal legislator of the year. Im humbled by this award and grateful for the opportunity to serve Nebraskans and insurance consumers across the country.

Each year, NAMIC honors federal lawmakers who have been leaders on the issues of great importance to the insurance industry with the Federal Legislator of the Year Award. The award bears the likeness of Ben Franklin, one of the nations founding fathers who in 1752 established a mutual insurance company that, as a NAMIC member, continues to serve policyholders to this day.

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NAMIC membership reflects many of the countrys largest national insurers as well as regional and local mutual insurance companies on main streets across America. NAMIC members write $391 billion in annual premiums and account for 68 percent of homeowners, 56 percent of the automobile, and 31 percent of the business insurance markets.